Buhairi Rifqa Moustafid
The cassowary is the second largest bird in the world after the ostrich, belonging to the family Casuariidae and order Casuariiformes.
Generally, cassowary can reach sizes of 1.5-2 meters (4.9-6.6 feet) and weigh between 30-72 kilograms (66-159 pounds), depending on the species.
The cassowary widely distributes itself in the rainforests of Australia, Papua New Guinea, and several surrounding islands.
It typically inhabits lowland forests, swamps, scrublands, and agricultural areas. Cassowaries are frugivores, meaning they consume seeds and fruits.
Their diet consists mainly of fruits and plant shoots, but they also occasionally consume insects and small animals such as rodents, fish, and lizards.
They are also known to ingest small stones, aiding in their digestive process. These large birds reproduce by laying eggs.
After mating, the female creates a simple nest on the ground and leaves their eggs to males.
Cassowary chicks stay with the male parent to learn foraging and survival skills in the forest.
Cassowaries typically lay 1-8 eggs in one breeding season, with an incubation period of about 50 to 52 days.
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Ancient Survivors
Cassowaries are living remnants of ancient birds that have existed for about 80 million years.
They are classified as descendants of birds that have undergone evolution with minimal changes.
Associated with velociraptors, cassowary appearances resemble giant prehistoric turkeys with unique colors and textures, from feathers to skin, reminiscent of dinosaurs.
Recent findings suggest the existence of dinosaur species similar to cassowaries, reinforcing the argument that cassowaries are among the birds most resembling dinosaurs.
They are often referred to as living fossils.
Natural Gardeners in Forest Maintenance
Cassowaries play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of rainforest ecosystems, particularly in the northern Queensland rainforests of Australia and Papua Island rainforest.
As fruit-eating animals, they assist in seed dispersal and plant germination in their habitats.
Although known as dangerous birds, cassowaries do not attack humans spontaneously unless threatened.
As frugivores, various undigested seeds and berries are excreted in their feces, allowing seeds to grow into new plants.
Responsible Fathers in Child Rearing
In their breeding role, female cassowaries only lay eggs, while males are responsible for incubating the eggs and raising the offspring until they can live independently.
Cassowary eggs, typically green, are incubated by males in ground nests, and the offspring will stay with the male until they are ready to live independently.
Males will incubate the eggs for 50-52 days and remain in the nest for nine months to raise their offspring.
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Shy and Territorial with Low-Frequency Communication
They are shy and territorial animals, often communicating with low-frequency sounds. They use these sounds for various purposes, from mating calls to territorial defense.
Although shy, cassowaries can become aggressive if threatened, especially when interacting with humans.
Cassowaries have three toes on each foot, each equipped with sharp claws. The middle toe claw can reach a length of 12 cm (4.7 inches).
In addition to their sharp claws, the strength of cassowary legs can cause fatal injuries. With their legs, they can run up to 50 km/h (31 mph) and jump up to 1.5 m (59 inches).
Cassowary attacks, especially using their sharp claws and powerful kicks, can cause serious injury or death to humans and other animals.